Question

The structures that help some bacteria to attach to rocks and/or host tissues are :

• A. Holdfast
• B. Rhizoids
• C. Fimbriae
• D. Mesosomes

Answer 1

The correct option is C Fimbriae

“Fimbriae” are short hair-like structures that are present on the surface of prokaryotic cells like bacteria. They are many in number. They help the bacteria in attaching to surfaces like rocks and also attach to food or substrates.

“Mesosomes” are infoldings of the plasma membrane that were found in prokaryotes when observed under the electron microscope. They were originally known to be involved in cellular respiration, but recently scientists have found that mesosomes are formed because of the chemical fixation of samples that takes place before a sample is observed under an electron microscope.

“Rhizoids” are tiny thread-like structures that are present at the lower parts of the bodies of algae and bryophytes. They perform the function of absorbing water, similar to that of root hair in higher plants.

“Holdfast” are root-like structures that are present in certain stationary aquatic plants and animals. It helps the organisms anchor themselves to whatever substrate they are sitting on.